Beijing: Restricting the Vatican's control over the appointment of bishops in China does not infringe on believers' religious freedom, a Chinese official said on Tuesday, amid historic negotiations between Beijing and the Holy See aimed at healing divisions.

Chen Zongrong, an official overseeing religious affairs, said Beijing would not allow "foreign forces" to govern the country's faith groups.

"The Chinese constitution clearly states that China's religious groups and religious affairs cannot be controlled by foreign forces, and (the foreign forces) should not interfere in Chinese religious affairs in any way,"

"I disagree with the view that preventing Rome from having full control over the selection of bishops hinders religious freedom," Chen said.

For years, China's Catholics have been split between those who follow state-authorised churches outside the Vatican's authority and those who attend underground churches that swear fealty to the pope.